Monday, May 26, 2008

Eye Problem

Be very careful when u get caught with dust.
 
The effects of bad dust to a person. While he was talking he felt an eye
Irritation, thinking that it was just regular dust, he started to rub his Eye, in an effort to remove the dust.... then his eyes got really red, and
He went and bought some eye drops from a pharmacy....few days passed and His eyes were still red and seem a little swollen.
 
Again he dismissed it as the constant rubbing and that it will go away. The Days go by the swelling of his eye got worse, redder and bigger....till he Decided to go and see a doctor for a check up. The doctor immediately Wanted an operation, being afraid of a tumor growth or cyst.
At the Operation, what was thought to be a growth or cyst, actually turned out to Be a LIVE WORM.....
 What was thought initially to be just mere dust Actually was an insect's egg. If u do get caught dust, and the pain
Persists, pls go, see a doctor immediately........

Acne : 8 Simple Tips To follow

Commonly affecting the skin condition of people between ages 12 to 24 is a disease called acne. The cause of acne is hard to determine. However, over secretion of the sebaceous glands is pointed as the cause to trigger most acne outbreaks.

Acne can strike at any skin type. An oily skin type is most subseptible to acne. Dry skin on the other hand, may not be as susceptible but serious outbreaks may occur during winter. Normal skin is equally susceptible to acne but the level of severity may not be as high.

Presently, acne is not yet totally curable but can be remedied with several acne skin care methods. Many seek the help of topical medications, which are applied on the surface of the skin. However, employing the use of acne skin care products like "pore strip pads" may remove whiteheads and blackheads but they would not have any effect on the excess sebum produced.

Nevertheless, for remedy and prevention, it is best to employ the following 8 simple tips:

1. A healthy, well-balanced diet must be observed. Therefore, your food intake must incorporate all the essential nutrients the body needs for efficient functioning.

2. Drink plenty of fluids like water, juices. Minimize the intake of carbonated drinks.

3. No make up is recommended.

4. Wash your face with mild soap and water. The logic is to not remove the dirt (as the majority of acne-inflicted person perceive) but to remove the plugs on the skin pores, which may be a combination of dead skin cells, bacteria and hardened sebum. Although dirt is not truly the cause of acne, it may contribute to further infection through its interaction with skin debris and particles and extra oil in the skin.

5. Use topical cleansing pads that may contain one or the combination of the following: salicylic acid, sulfur and benzoyl peroxide to remove excess oil. Another way to minimize the presence of extra oil in the skin is to wash the face with the hottest water you can withstand.

6. Minimize the use of harsh cleansers and use acne skin care items that exfoliate mildly. Do not scrub vigorously to the affected areas.

7. If your hands are dirty, refrain from touching your face.

8. If you have long hair, tie up your hair so that it is kept away from the face. This is especially so if the weather is hot and you have been perspiring.

Preventative acne skin care steps are just as important as the treatment of acne itself. With prevention, at least, you know how to ensure that your acne problem does not escalate and spread to a bigger infected area.

How to Improve Your Memory & Exercise Your Brain

Everyone can take steps to improve their memory, and with time and practice most people can gain the ability to memorize seemingly impossible amounts of information. Whether you want to win the World Memory Championships, ace your history test, or simply remember where you put your keys, this article can get you started. Scientists believe that exercising your brain can create a 'cognitive reserve' that will help you stay sharp as you age.

1. Convince yourself that you do have a good memory that will improve. Too many people get stuck here and convince themselves that their memory is bad, that they are just not good with names, that numbers just slip out of their minds for some reason. Erase those thoughts and vow to improve your memory. Commit yourself to the task and bask in your achievements — it's hard to keep motivated if you beat yourself down every time you make a little bit of progress.

2. Keep your brain active. The brain is not a muscle, but regularly "exercising" the brain actually does keep it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. By developing new mental skills—especially complex ones such as learning a new language or learning to play a new musical instrument—and challenging your brain with puzzles and games you can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning.

3. Exercise daily. Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation and efficiency throughout the body, including in the brain, and can help ward off the memory loss that comes with aging. Exercise also makes you more alert and relaxed, and can thereby improve your memory uptake, allowing you to take better mental "pictures."

4. Reduce stress. Chronic stress, although it does not physically damage the brain, can make remembering much more difficult. Even temporary stresses can make it more difficult to effectively focus on concepts and observe things. Try to relax, regularly practice yoga or other stretching exercises, and see a doctor if you have severe chronic stress.

5. Eat well and eat right. There are a lot of herbal supplements on the market that claim to improve memory, but none have yet been shown to be effective in clinical tests (although small studies have shown some promising results for ginkgo biloba and phosphatidylserine). A healthy diet, however, contributes to a healthy brain, and foods containing antioxidants—broccoli, blueberries, spinach, and berries, for example—and Omega-3 fatty acids appear to promote healthy brain functioning. Feed your brain with such supplements as Thiamine, Vitamin E, Niacin and Vitamin B-6. Grazing, eating 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals, also seems to improve mental functioning (including memory) by limiting dips in blood sugar, which may negatively affect the brain.

6. Take better pictures. Often we forget things not because our memory is bad, but rather because our observational skills need work. One common situation where this occurs (and which almost everyone can relate to) is meeting new people. Often we don't really learn people's names at first because we aren't really concentrating on remembering them. You'll find that if you make a conscious effort to remember such things, you'll do much better. One way to train yourself to be more observant is to look at an unfamiliar photograph for a few seconds and then turn the photograph over and describe or write down as many details as you can about the photograph. Try closing your eyes and picturing the photo in your mind. Use a new photograph each time you try this exercise, and with regular practice you will find you're able to remember more details with even shorter glimpses of the photos.

7. Give yourself time to form a memory. Memories are very fragile in the short-term, and distractions can make you quickly forget something as simple as a phone number. The key to avoid losing memories before you can even form them is to be able to focus on the thing to be remembered for a while without thinking about other things, so when you're trying to remember something, avoid distractions and complicated tasks for a few minutes.

8. Create vivid, memorable images. You remember information more easily if you can visualize it. If you want to associate a child with a book, try not to visualize the child reading the book – that's too simple and forgettable. Instead, come up with something more jarring, something that sticks, like the book chasing the child, or the child eating the book. It's your mind – make the images as shocking and emotional as possible to keep the associations strong.

9. Repeat things you need to learn. The more times you hear, see, or think about something, the more surely you'll remember it, right? It's a no-brainer. When you want to remember something, be it your new coworker's name or your best friend's birthday, repeat it, either out loud or silently. Try writing it down; think about it.
10. Group things you need to remember. Random lists of things (a shopping list, for example) can be especially difficult to remember. To make it easier, try categorizing the individual things from the list. If you can remember that, among other things, you wanted to buy four different kinds of vegetables, you'll find it easier to remember all four.

11. Organize your life. Keep items that you frequently need, such as keys and eyeglasses, in the same place every time. Use an electronic organizer or daily planner to keep track of appointments, due dates for bills, and other tasks. Keep phone numbers and addresses in an address book or enter them into your computer or cell phone. Improved organization can help free up your powers of concentration so that you can remember less routine things. Even if being organized doesn't improve your memory, you'll receive a lot of the same benefits (i.e. you won't have to search for your keys anymore).

12. Try meditation. Research now suggests that people who regularly practice "mindfulness" meditation are able to focus better and may have better memories. Mindfulness (also known as awareness or insight meditation) is the type commonly practiced in Western countries and is easy to learn. Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital show that regular meditation thickens the cerebral cortex in the brain by increasing the blood flow to that region. Some researchers believe this can enhance attention span, focus, and memory.

13. Sleep well. The amount of sleep we get affects the brain's ability to recall recently learned information. Getting a good night's sleep – a minimum of seven hours a night – may improve your short-term memory and long-term relational memory, according to recent studies conducted at the Harvard Medical School.

14. Build your memorization arsenal. Learn pegs, memory palaces, and the Dominic System. These techniques form the foundation for mnemonic techniques, and will visibly improve your memory.

15. Venture out and learn from your mistakes. Go ahead and take a stab at memorizing the first one hundred digits of pi, or, if you've done that already, the first one thousand. Memorize the monarchs of England through your memory palaces, or your grocery list through visualization. Through diligent effort you will eventually master the art of memorization.

Doctor Fish




SOME people squirm wildly and cry out as they thrash in a treatment pool. Other alarmed types thump the walls. Strong men, meanwhile, have been known to giggle.

These reactions are from Singaporeans being eaten alive by fish.

No, it's not some sort of bizarre Jaws experience involving sharks and hot tubs. It's a new craze catching on in a big way - fish therapy.

Tiny toothless Turkish spa fish, of the Garra rufa species, nibble off the dead skin on your hands and feet, leaving healthy skin to grow.

The feeling? Something between hundreds of tweezers and tiny suction cups gently pecking at your feet.

According to enthusiasts, the feeding sessions by these 9cm- to 12cm-long fish can leave you feeling massaged, glowing and with improved skin.

Many people also believe that the Doctor Fish therapy can cure problems like psoriasis, a disease that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.

It's become popular in Japan, South Korea, China and Europe, and three places offering this service have sprung up in Singapore over the past year.

The latest outlet, Kampong Fish Therapy, opened last month in Thomson Road. It is owned by actress Yeo Yann Yann and make-up artist Dollei Seah.

The other two fish flesh-spots are Qian Hu Fish Farm in Lim Chu Kang and Underwater World in Sentosa.

People pay anything from $10 to $38 a session to be fish food - by immersing their hands or feet in a pool of water where thousands of freshwater Garra rufa fish chomp away on crusty skin to reveal new, smooth skin.

Hot spring spas in Turkey with such fish have been running for more than 100 years and some people with skin problems swear by the treatment.

For example, with psoriasis, the fish lick away the plaque which causes red patches and release a small quantity of dithranol, an enzyme which results in skin rejuvenation.

Dermatologists think that the fish therapy can provide only a short-term solution to some skin conditions.

Dr Chris Foo, consultant dermatologist at Raffles Hospital, said: 'There is currently no 'cure' for psoriasis. Fish treatment may give short-term relief to some patients but not all patients will improve, depending on the severity of their conditions.

'For all we know, the patients who have improved with fishy treatment may just as well have improved with creams from a dermatologist.'

But isn't there a risk of infection when people of varying degrees of skin problems share a pool?

All three outlets claim this would not happen as they do not allow people with open wounds in the pool, to prevent infected blood from coming into contact with others.

They also have an ultra-violet disinfecting system for the water, which kills germs.

Also, those with severe skin problems get their own tub at Kampong Fish Therapy.

Dr Foo thinks it is a hygienic move. 'Although diseases like psoriasis are not contagious, other bacteria infections can be transmitted through water.'

Ms Cecilia Koh, 27, who suffers from dry and rough skin, swears by the treatment. Said the assistant director: 'After two visits, my skin is smoother. It's something you get addicted to, the feeling of pins and needles outside your skin.'

The two pools in Kampong Fish Therapy have proved so popular - up to 70 customers on weekdays and 100 on weekends - that a tub is being introduced for those brave enough to immerse their entire body. A second outlet is also in the works.

The two owners declined to say how much they have sunk into the venture, but it wouldn't be small fry - a fish costs about $10 from a fish distributor, and they have bought some 6,000 fish.

The outlet's two pools can take up to eight people each and are a great ice-breaker, said Ms Seah, 34. 'In a regular spa, everyone is isolated. Here, families and friends can do it together, chit-chat and relax.'

Co-owner Yeo, 30, who suffered from calluses after months in heels filming 881, said her skin was visibly smoother and softer after repeated fish treatments.

She joked: 'My family runs a fish distributing business in Kukup. I left Malaysia 10 years ago to come here, and now I'm back in the fish business. It's karma. We used to feed fish to people, now I feed people to fish.'

Fish Reflexology at Underwater World is also doing a brisk business. Since it opened last December, it sees up to 60 people on weekdays and 100 people on weekends.

Besides a pool with Garra rufa, there is one with Oreochromis, a larger fish from Africa which also feeds on dead or diseased skin.

Its retail manager Tan Lay Hong, 52, said: 'We target tourists and families, and are not aimed at the beauty or medical market.'

At Qian Hu's Fish Spa, launched in September last year, some customers even buy the critters to re-create the spa at home. A small Garra rufa costs $10 and a larger one is $20.

Business development manager Jimmy Yap said customers usually buy one or two, but a Batam couple once bought 200 fish.

When LifeStyle visited the spa last Thursday, it was packed with more than 30 people of all ages soaking up the fish therapy in a large communal pool.

It was so crowded that some complained the 3,000 fish in the pool weren't enough to go around. But most were smiling.

Said manager Yvonne Lau, 27, who was there with her family: 'The whole family can come. There is no age limit. As long as you have feet, you can join in.'
 

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Hair Recepies

Dandruff Control Rinse Recipe

1 cup apple cider vinegar
6 aspirins, crushed
1/4 cup witch hazel

Combine all ingredients and store in a tightly capped jar or bottle. After shampooing, gently massage rinse into your hair, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse again with warm water.

Baking Soda Rinse Recipe

1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup warm water

Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Pour over hair after shampooing. Massage into the hair and scalp for several minutes, then rinse. This will efficiently clean and shine the hair.

Cherry-Almond Hair Mist Shine Recipe

2 cups warm water
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon cherry extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix and put into a spray bottle.

Coffee Rinse Recipe

For brunettes and redheads.

8 cups warm brewed coffee

After shampooing rinse hair with coffee. Do not rinse it out. Your hair will be rich and shiny.

Dry End Treatment Recipe

8 ounces safflower or vegetable oil
2 ounces beeswax
22 ounces distilled water
1/2 ounce Triethanolamine

Mix safflower oil, beeswax and stearic acid. Heat to boiling. At the same time, in another pot, heat distilled water and Triethanolamine. After heating, add the distilled water solution to the oil mixture and stir continuously until the solution has cooled.

To use the emulsion, put a small amount on palms, rub hands together, and apply to dry ends, massaging in gently.

NOTE: Triethanolamine is a liquid available at drugstores.

Dry, Flaking Scalp Remedy Recipe

2 ounces glycerin
1/2 ounce apple cider vinegar

Mix. Section hair and apply the mixture with cotton balls. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Flour Paste Recipe

For frizzy hair.

Flouring is an ancient recipe that smoothes the scales of the hair shaft, making it more manageable.

1 cup flour
2/3 cup cold water

Mix until lumps disappear. Apply to dry, unwashed hair, smoothing the mixture and your hair straight back. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly about five minutes. Shampoo with one lathering of mild shampoo. Rinse with cool water.

Lemon Hair Spray Recipe

This is simple, but it works well. It also adds body to fine, limp hair, and it gives light hair added shine.

2 lemons, sliced
2 cups hot water

Place lemon slices and water in a glass or enamel pan and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until the water is reduced to 1 cup - about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Line a strainer with cheesecloth and strain the mixture. Squeeze the cloth out thoroughly to get all the juice. Pour the strained mixture into a pump-type container. Mixture will keep for 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Lemon Rinse Recipe

For light hair.

2 cups white vinegar
2 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup chamomile flowers

Combine ingredients in a glass or enamel pan and boil for 15 minutes. Strain, cool and store in a tightly capped bottle.

After shampooing, pour 1/2 cup over the hair, then rinse.

Protein Hair Treatment Recipe

1 ounce soy sauce
1 cup warm water

After shampooing, pour this over hair. Leave in for 10 minutes, then rinse out.

Rosemary-Sage Natural Hair Dye Recipe

For covering gray hair.

1/2 cup dried sage
1/2 cup dried rosemary
2 cups hot water

Combine all ingredients in a nonreactive saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes, then steep for several hours. Strain, and then use the resulting liquid for the colorant.

Apply to hair and leave on until dried. Rinse and dry. Repeat weekly until you obtain the desired shade, then monthly to maintain color.

Russian Hair Treatment Pack Recipe

This is better than a simple hot oil treatment. It leaves the hair looking stunningly-thick, luxuriant, and shiny. The effects last a long time, even the light scent of the essential oil will linger through several shampoos.

2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon oil (safflower, almond, coconut, or walnut
1 drop essential oil (lemon, tangerine, jasmine, rose,
    sandalwood, rosemary)

Before applying, moisten the hair very slightly by running wet fingers through it, then massage the egg mixture into hair and scalp. Wrap head in a towel (and plastic if desired) and sit back in a sauna, take a long hot bath, or relax in a warm place. (The heat of a sauna is the best environment for this treatment.) Leave the pack on for one hour, if possible, even two or three!

To cleanse, rinse hair in warm water, then apply a lot of shampoo directly to the hair, wash well, and rinse. If you've used enough shampoo, only one wash is needed.

Scalp Treatment Recipe

Normal Scalp
1/2 rose water
1/2 mineral water
1 teaspoon cologne

Oily Scalp
3 ounces witch hazel
3 ounces mineral water
Pulp of 1 lemon

Dry, Tight Scalp
2 ounces warm olive oil
1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
1/2 teaspoon oil of rosemary
3 drops lavender oil

Section hair in 1-inch widths and dampen the scalp at each parting with a saturated cotton ball. Rewet your fingers in the solution as necessary.

Sesame-Coconut Protein Conditioner Recipe

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons light sesame oil
2 whole eggs
2 tablespoons coconut milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon coconut oil

Sunstreaking Recipe

This is a rich hair dressing which provides sheen and elegance to frazzled hair. It can also be used as a pressing oil for hair straightening.

Juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons chamomile tea

Mix lemon juice and tea. Using an inexpensive straw hat with lots of holes in it, pull strands of hair you would like to lighten through the holes with a crochet hook or pencil. Sit in the sun for 1 1/2 hours. You will achieve natural-looking streaking.

Vinegar Rinse Recipe

This will remove the last traces of shampoo and give the hair extra shine and a soft, smooth, texture. Vinegar restores the proper acidic pH balance to hair.

Add a few tablespoons of a pleasant-scented vinegar, such as raspberry or plum, to your rinse water. You can use this rinse after every shampoo, if desired.

Maggots and leeches: Good medicine





Two medical devices recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration seem more likely to appear on Fear Factor than ER

Calling them "devices" is a stretch. But just like stimulators and stents, prostheses and pacemakers, leeches and maggots are now classified as FDA-approved medical devices — the first live animals to earn that distinction.

No question, the thought of getting up close and personal with leeches or maggots is enough to make most healthy people feel ill. But patients who have been treated with these "devices," as well as their doctors, credit them with restoring health to tissue when high-tech medicine could not.

Although a French firm's leeches were approved only last week and a California doctor's maggots were cleared in January, the creatures have long medical track records.

Companies that were already selling leeches before the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act became law in 1976 were grandfathered in and did not need FDA approval. The FDA only recently decided to regulate maggots, says internist Ronald Sherman, who earned the agency's permission in January to continue supplying the caterpillar-like fly larvae.

Leeches through history

Medicinal leeches are bloodsucking, aquatic cousins of the earthworm that hail from Europe. Doctors used leeches for bloodletting — thought to be good for whatever ailed patients — from Hippocrates' time through the mid-19th century. Leeches fell out of favor when doctors finally recognized that patients they bled fared no better, and often worse, than other patients

It's often trickier to connect veins, which carry blood back to the heart, than arteries, which carry blood from the heart. So before grafted tissue gets new vein growth, it can become congested with blood. Sometimes surgery can fix the problem, but if it can't, the graft might fail.

Enter the leech. Not only does it suck out excess blood, but its saliva contains a powerful blood thinner. So even after it fills up and drops off, bleeding continues.

Douglas Chepeha, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at the University of Michigan, treats two or three patients a year with leeches after rebuilding faces or mouths decimated by cancer.

Typically, leeches are used one at a time and replaced as they drop off — usually every 20 minutes — for 24 to 48 hours, then intermittently for a few days afterward, Chepeha says.

"I've never had anybody refuse," Chepeha says. "They've come in with a serious cancer, they've had part of a critical organ removed, they want to get better. You say to them: 'I think this could help.' People have been amazingly stoic about it."

Normally pretty squeamish, Alyssa Kieff, 22, of Marrero, La., tolerated five days of leech therapy in April. Kieff's beagle had snapped at her and tore off her right upper eyelid, which was reattached microsurgically by Kamran Khoobehi, a Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center plastic surgeon.

Kieff, who returned to her receptionist job a month after surgery, wasn't quite as enthusiastic. Still, she says, "I knew it had to be done to help the eyelid survive. I didn't think about it."

Two U.S. companies sell medicinal leeches for about $7.50 apiece. They're usually on call in hospital pharmacy refrigerators.

Compared with leeches, maggots are tiny things. But their association with rotting flesh may make them even more off-putting than leeches — until you talk to someone who's been treated with them.

Maggots to the rescue

Three years ago, a small cut on the bottom of Pam Mitchell's foot became seriously infected as a result of diabetes. After surgery to remove diseased tissue, Mitchell, who had worked as a waitress for 20 years, was left with a hole in her foot that was 1 inch deep and 2 inches across. And still, the infection raged. Antibiotics were powerless against it.

"They were telling me I should think about amputation," says Mitchell, who is from Akron, Ohio.

But then a co-worker told Mitchell of a TV show she had seen about using maggots to heal wounds. Desperate to save her foot, Mitchell found a dermatologist, Eliot Mostow, who thought maggot therapy was worth a try. Luckily, her insurance covered the $75-a-session treatments.

Mostow applied disinfected maggots to her wound and covered them with a cagelike dressing. The maggots liquefied dead tissue, killed harmful bacteria and stimulated healing. After 48 hours, Mitchell's orthopedist removed the maggot dressing. After 10 treatments, her foot was well on its way to being healed. "It's amazing," she says. "There's hardly even a scar there."

Today, Mitchell serves on the board of the non-profit Biotherapeutics Education and Research Foundation, which promotes the medical use of maggots and leeches and provides them to patients who lack insurance coverage. Sherman, an Irvine, Calif., internist, is the group's CEO and only U.S. maggot supplier.

To say Sherman is mad about maggots is like saying Spider-Man 2 is doing OK at the box office. "He really is Dr. Maggot in my mind," Mostow says. "He knows more about this than anybody else."

Through the years, Sherman says, military surgeons noticed that soldiers with maggot-infested wounds did better than similarly wounded soldiers without the infestation.

Sherman began treating patients with maggots in 1990. By 1993, as word got out about his success in saving limbs scheduled for amputation, other hospitals began asking him for maggots. By 1994 or 1995, Sherman says, he was getting so many requests that he began charging a nominal fee to cover the materials and his time.

Today, Sherman says, he supplies blow fly maggots to 300 sites around the country, including Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., which used them to treat victims of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. "They're lifesaving," says James Jeng, a burn specialist at the hospital.

Sherman says relatively few of his customers are willing to go public. "Some administrators," he says, "have expressed the view that the public will think the hospital is old-fashioned or, worse, unhygienic."


Honey Mint Glazed Chicken Recipe

Can you tell we are gearing up for grilling season? This has to be one of the simplest chicken recipes for the taste, grilled or otherwise. It's just basic grilled (or oven broiled) chicken with a fresh mint and honey glaze. Nothing to it really, but it tastes fabulous. This recipe is set up for whole chicken parts, but you could easily use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs; just reduce the cooking time.

When we grill meat, we like to marinate the meat first in an acidic marinade. Even half an hour of an acid-based marinade (vinegar or lemon juice) help mitigate carcinogenic effects of grilling. The simple marinade in this recipe will do the trick, will not interfere with the honey mint taste, and will help keep the chicken pieces from sticking to the grill.



Honey Mint Glazed Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:-

1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 4-5 pound chicken, cut into parts
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup honey
2-3 Tbsp water
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint (or 2 Tbsp dried mint)

Method

1. Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Mix vinegar with olive oil and pour over chicken pieces. Turn chicken pieces so that all are coated with the simple marinade. Let marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.

2. In a small bowl mix honey, mint, and just enough water for a good basting consistency. Set aside for glazing the chicken.

3. Prepare grill for medium high heat. Remove chicken pieces from marinade. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Place chicken pieces on the hot grill, skin side up. Cook for approximately 30-40 minutes, covered, turning every 7 or 8 minutes. For the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, baste all sides with the honey mint mixture. The chicken is done when the juices run clear (not pink) when a knife tip is inserted into both the chicken breast and thigh, about 165°F for the breast and 180°F for the thigh. Note that although the breast pieces are bigger, they may finish cooking earlier than the thighs.

Serves 6.

Menstruation cycle and Ovulation

Menstruation cycle and Ovulation
The menstrual (monthly) cycle - the periodic uterine bleeding is one of the key physiological functions of the female body.Ovulation is release of a matured egg from the ovary. During ovulation if the egg does not get fertilized (does not meet the sperm), it disintegrates and is released along with the inner lining of the Uterus, (endometrium) causing bleeding. This process is known as menses or menstrual period.
 

(Time between two periods) usually averages 28 days in length with normal variation ranging from 21 to 35 days. The day a period starts is counted as day 1 of the menstrual cycle. When the two -seven days of your period are over, the ovary begins ripening another egg ready for release during the next ovulation. Meanwhile the uterus begins to build up another inner lining ready to receive the fertilized egg. 

 
Ovulation normally occurs fourteen days before beginning the next period, regardless of the length of the cycle.  So a woman with a 28 day cycle would tend to ovulate on day 14. The woman with a 32 day cycle would tend to ovulate on day 18 (32-14). The life time of the egg is brief -only 24 hours. So to get pregnant the sperm should reach the egg during this fertility period.

Monday, May 19, 2008

How TO Get Rid Of Pimples

Most of the pimple products on the market are just there to rip you off. There is no guaranteed cure for pimples, and there probably never will be. Keeping your face clean and moisturized is about the most important thing you can do.

Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.

Sleep more. Your body will be more prepared to deal with problems.

Avoid touching your face, as this just spreads bacteria.

Only use oil-free products on your face.

Always use toner and moisturizer.

Wash your hands often to rid them of oils.

Vinegar works well, too.

Try Off EZY Wart Remover with 17% salicylic acid medication to each pimple individually. Do not use it everywhere, as it will sting. Apply calamine lotion around the area.

See a doctor about serious acne.

Try not to wear makeup. It clogs pores and can lead to breakouts.

Eat foods high in protein, iron, fiber, and zinc.

Give the treatments time. An acne treatment is not going to work "just like that."

Avoid the use of products with 10% or greater concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide. BP is known to cause dryness,itchyness, and burning sensation of the skin. Consult a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms.

Accutane is a wonder drug for severe acne. Can almost wipe out breakouts with a 3-6 month treatment and can last anywhere from 1 year to a lifetime!

Wash your face and put baby powder on the area. It's the fastest way to dry those pimples out and get rid of them. Baby powder works like a charm.

If you have pimples that you want to get rid of fast, put ice on them for 30-60 seconds every 30 minutes. And then apply rubbing alcohol.

Warnings

Toothpaste doesn't really work. It's supposed to but doesn't make a noticeable difference.

Don't scratch or pick at your pimples. It will only make the situation worse. Only pop pimple if they are very white and fixing to explode; even then one should wash their hands and avoid having to apply too much pressure.

Don't wash your face too often--it can dry out your skin and cause irritation.

10 Tips for Healthy and Shining Hair.

Your hair enhances your overall personality and also reflects your health. But, healthy hair and scalp needs proper care right from the beginning. If you neglect your hair for long, it might turn brittle with split-ends and also cause dandruff. You may even experience untimely hair loss if you don't take timely precautions.

 

Studies indicate that in 95 percent cases, hair loss is genetic, but many other factors such as diet, general health, vitamin and hormonal deficiencies, overuse of hair dye, physical and emotional stress also lead to uncontrolled hair loss. However, it is possible to control most of these factors that lead to untimely hair fall among individuals.
Though hair loss is not a life-threatening situation, but it may imply internal health
problems. Besides, it may also spoil the level of self-confidence in the long run. As there is no permanent cure for hair loss, but it is possible to take some preventive measures to ensure healthy and shining hair. Some of these tips are listed below:

1Role of Diet

A nutritious diet, which contains all essential vitamins and minerals, helps in minimizing the hair loss. Therefore, you must include green, leafy vegetables, raw oats, and whole grain cereals, eggs, dates, and raisins in your daily food regime. As the hair is made of protein, you are advised to stick to protein-rich diet, such as calves liver, brewer's yeast, and wheat germ. These foods also contain Vitamin B, which is an important nutrient for hair. Outer coverings of
potatoes, cucumbers, and green and red peppers are high in silica, which is essential to
maintain the beauty and strength of your hair. Vitamin E also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. A person may experience hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction also. Therefore, you must include foods, which are good sources of vitamin A and iodine.

2Washing routine

Your hair cleansing routine largely depends on your hair-type. People having oily hair may need to wash their hair regularly, while people having dry hair can wash it twice a week. Never use too hot or too cold water to wash your hair. While cleaning or massaging your hair, you should always use your fingertips and not your nails to gently clean your scalp
 
3Proper combing

You should use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair and comb in downward direction. Using a wooden or tortoise shell comb is a better idea than using a rubber comb. Avoid combing wet hair, as wet hair can easily break

4Drying your hair

If possible, allow your hair to dry naturally. Avoid using blow dryer as its heat can damage your hair, and also make it look coarse and lifeless.
 
5Using proper conditioner

Protect your hair from sudden environmental changes, while going out to a beach or a pool.
You must use an effective conditioner as it protects your hair from the sun, chlorine, and sea water. You should also wear a protective hat or a cap to avoid overexposing your hair to the sun, salt or chlorinated water and pollution.
 
6Use of shampoo and conditioner

Always choose a simple formula shampoo, which costs you less money. Remember, the basic
purpose of a shampoo is to wash away the dirt and the oil. Therefore, use a milder shampoo,
which is less expensive and more beneficial for your hair. Apply a good quality conditioner once you clean your hair with the shampoo, but do not over-condition your hair.
 
7Choose a comfortable hair style

Choose a hair style that truly reflects your style and taste while significantly enhances your personality. Often traditional hair styling products are rich of alcohol and other arsh chemicals, which may again harm your hair.

8Knowing your sleeping pattern helps control

Hair loss Comb your hair gently while going to bed. You should also gently remove all bands or clips used during the day. Do you know that your sleeping pattern also affects the life and
health of your hair? People who are restless even while they are sleeping may actually end
up breaking their hair. So, if you belong to the restless community of sleepers, you should
use s satin pillowcase, which allows your hair to move smoothly and thus cause less breakage.
 
9Limit the use of alcohol and smoking

products Reduce alcohol consumption and also avoid using it on your hair. Avoid using hair care products that contain alcohol. This is because alcohol can make your hair look dry, brittle
and prone to breakage.

10Avoid using harsh chemicals

Certain harsh chemicals such as permanent hair color and perms can also affect the health and growth of your hair. Therefore, you must avoid coloring your hair more than once every
2-4 months.

Menstrual blood can repair hearts

The monthly discomfort many women see as a curse could pay off some day as Japanese researchers say menstrual blood can be used to repair heart damage.

Scientists obtained menstrual blood from nine women and cultivated it for about a month, focusing on a kind of cell that can act like stem cells.

Some 20% of the cells began beating spontaneously about three days after being put together in vitro with cells from the hearts of rats. The cells from menstrual blood eventually formed sheet-like heart-muscle tissue.

The success rate is 100 times higher than the 0.2-0.3% for stem cells taken from human bone marrow, according to Shunichiro Miyoshi, a cardiologist at Keio University's school of medicine, who is involved in the research.

Separate in-vivo experiments showed that the condition of rats who had suffered heart attacks improved after they received the cells derived from menstrual blood.

Miyoshi said women may eventually be able to use their own menstrual blood.

"There may be a system in the near future that allows women to use it for their own treatment," Miyoshi said. Using one's own blood could solve a major problem in the use of cells - a patient's immune system rejecting them.

Miyoshi said menstrual blood could be used to build stockpiles of cells which have a variety of matching HLAs, or human leukocyte antigens, a key part of the human immune system.

The cells can be stored for a long time in a tube the size of a finger and cultivated when necessary, he said.

"In proper storage, we would be able to stock up a tremendous count of cells in a small space. If they are not used for 100 years, they could stay there for 200 years or 300 years" waiting for a perfect match, he said.

In a strict sense, the connective cells from menstrual blood cannot be called stem cells, which can turn into any type of cell in the body, Miyoshi said. But they also have high potential to develop into muscle cells, suggesting the blood could in time be used to treat muscular dystrophy, he said.

The study has been conducted by researchers from private Keio University and the National Institute for Child Health and Development.

Beauty By Honey

Here are some home-made beauty recipes made with honey.

Facial Toner
Ingredients

1 Tablespoon honey
1 apple, peeled and cored

Directions

In blender, puree honey with a peeled, cored apple. Smooth over face; leave on 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Firming Face Mask
Ingredients

1 Tablespoon honey
1 egg white
1 teaspoon glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores)
approx. 1/4 cup flour

Directions

Whisk together all ingredients and enough flour to form a paste (approximately 1/4 cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Gentle Honey Cleanser
Ingredients

1/4 cup honey
1 Tablespoon liquid soap
1/2 cup glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores)

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until they are fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle.Pour onto clean face sponge or soft cloth and gently rub onto face, wash away with warm water and pat face dry. Enjoy fresh radiant skin.
Tips

This cleanser is simple and effective. The soap gently cleans, the glycerin prevents drying and the honey not only softens the skin, but its antimicrobial properties can help ward off breakouts. A touch of honey is all you need for healthy, glowing skin.


Honey Cleansing Scrub
Ingredients

1 Tablespoon honey
2 Tablespoons finely ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions
Mix all ingredients. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.



Moisture Mask
Ingredients

2 Tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons milk

Directions
Mix honey with milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.




Hair Conditioner
Ingredients

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil, use 2 Tbsp. for normal hair

Directions
Mix honey and olive oil. Work a small amount at a time through hair until coated. Cover hair with shower cap; leave on 30 minutes. remove shower cap; shampoo well and rinse. Dry as normal.



Hair Shine
Ingredients

1 teaspoon honey
4 cups warm water
Lemon (for blondes)

Directions
Stir honey into warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Walking Tips

These tips apply whether you are walking for ten minutes, 30 minutes or an hour or more and if you are an experienced walker or a novice walker - you need to take care of yourself.



Before you set off

Remember if you are going walking alone it makes sense to tell someone when and where you are going.
It could be a phone call to your mum/neighbour/friend/daughter.
Whether you are walking in a city or park or in the countryside .

Leave all your valuables at home, not in the car or on you.

Very important! Wear comfortable shoes or boots.
New boots or shoes should be worn in gradually otherwise you run the risk of blisters.

Wear coloured clothing - the brighter the better so you can be seen clearly.

Layer your clothing so you can take off or add layers according to the outside temperature so your body stays at the right temperature.


What to take with you

Don't forget to take some sunscreen and/or sunhat plus sunglasses if you know the weather will be warm.

Take a small bag with your water, sunscreen and keys - to protect the items line it with a plastic bag so contents will keep dry if it rains.

Take some dried or fresh fruit if you are going on a longer walk to help you keep up those energy levels.
It is surprising how quickly you can get hungry out in the fresh air.Children always enjoy an outdoor snack.

Carry some personal identification in case of accident.

Mobile phones are useful should an emergency arise but keep them out of sight and switched off.

If you are walking alone it is a good idea to carry a whistle or personal alarm - somewhere where it would be instantly accessible.


When you are out walking

Be on the lookout for hazards such as broken pavement that could trip you up.
Tree branches that could catch your eyes.
Or suspicious characters.

Never walk the same route at the same time each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for example. Vary your walking routes and times if you can.

Be extra careful when using headphones/walkmans – you can't hear potential hazards such as cars etc.

Always walk facing in the direction of the oncoming traffic if you have to walk on a road with no pavement/sidewalk.

Plan to walk at a steady pace and don't forget to take rest breaks if you need them.

Allow yourself plenty of time, whether you are walking in urban or rural areas.
Remember that what took 20 minutes going downhill can take twice as long coming back up.

With children - never let them run ahead, but explain to them why they should stay with you e.g. I'm worried in case you get lost, get run over, fall over etc.

Lastly if you are worried about walking alone
Then join a club or go on led walks
Even better get the family or friends to join you.


Have a good walk!!

How to Give yourself a padicure at home

How to Give yourself a padicure at home
   Giving yourself a professional pedicure is an 8-step process. The first step is
to remove the old polish from your nails
Step #2 — Cut & File Nails
It's best to use high quality clippers made for clipping toenails such as Tweezerman Deluxe ($10). To avoid ingrown nails, cut nail straight across to just above the skin. Make sure your nail doesn't extend over the tip of your toe.
To get a soft square shape, file nails in one direction until they are even & slightly rounded at the corners. (Hint: Don't use metal files, they'll rip your nails). Basic emory boards like the ones from Revlon work great, but if you want to go truly pro, try the Mehaz ingrown toenail file which allows you to easily lift nail corners for shaping. Don't clip the sides of nails, that can cause ingrowns.
Step #3 — Soak Your Feet
Fill a large flat-bottom bowl with warm water. Throw in bath salts, your favorite aromatherapy oils or Epsom salt & let your feet soak 10 minutes. The more cracked & calloused your feet, the longer they need to stay in.
Trick only the pros know: Add a quarter cup of milk to your bath along with the essential oils & salts. The lactic acid in the milk loosens dead skin.
#4 — Trim Cuticles
Apply cuticle remover to the base of each nail & rub it in. Sally Hansenis a basic remover & works great. Leave on for a minute, then use an orangewood stick (Tweezerman works great) to gently push with a circular motion everywhere where skin meets the nail (including the sides). Be careful to remove skin only on top of the nail, don't touch the toe flesh.
Use cuticle nippers (Mehaz nippers work best) to trim any loose skin. Be careful not to nip your toe flesh.
#5 — Scrub Your Feet
Apply an exfoliating body or foot scrub to a foot file or wet pumice stone to slough away the dead skin on the balls & heels of your feet. You'll want to scrub the balls, bottoms & sides of your heels & around the toes. To get the most leverage, sit on the side of a bathtub, facing inward. Remember the pedicure motto we read about once, "smooth, don't remove." You'll want to stop if your foot turns bright red (this means you've scrubbed too hard). Remember, that tough skin is there for a reason.
Step #6 — Moisturize
Dry feet thoroughly including between the toes & rub in a thick foot cream . Rub the feet & the calves. Rehydrate cuticles by rubbing in a dab of cuticle oil.
Step #7 — Polish Your Toes
Use acetone remover to get rid of any excess oils on the nails (including the cuticle oil you just applied). Apply a thin base coat using 3 strokes, one down the middle, then one on each side. Don't paint the cuticle. Wait a minute before adding two coats of your favorite polish, then finish with a thin top coat . Clean up any errors with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton & dipped in acetone remover.
Let nails dry for at least 40 minutes.
Step #8 — Finish
After nails have dried, spritz with a moisturizing oil like SolarSpeed spray. This sets your polish & moisturizes your cuticles. Then voila! You're done!.



Benefits of being a vegetarian

Did you know these facts?

Vegetarian foods are a major source of nutrition for most people in the world.

Vegetarians have lower rates of heart disease and some forms of cancer than non-vegetarians.

Vegetarian diets can be simple and easy to prepare.

What is a vegetarian?
Broadly defined, a vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat, poultry, and fish. Vegetarians eat mainly fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, seeds, and nuts. Many vegetarians eat eggs and/or dairy products but avoid hidden animal products such as beef and chicken stocks, lard, and gelatin.

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) classifies vegetarians more specifically in the following ways:
Vegans or strict vegetarians exclude all animal products (e.g. meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and other dairy products). Many vegans also do not eat honey.
Lactovegetarians exclude meat, poultry, fish, and eggs but include dairy products.
Lacto-ovovegetarian s exclude meat, poultry, and fish but include dairy products and eggs. Most vegetarians in the US are lacto-ovovegetarian s.

Why are people vegetarians?
People are vegetarians for many reasons, including concern for personal health and the environment, economic and world hunger concerns, compassion for animals, belief in nonviolence, food preferences, or spiritual reasons. People may become vegetarians for one reason, and then later on adopt some of the other reasons as well.

What are the health benefits of a vegetarian diet?

According to the ADA, vegetarians are at lower risk for developing:
Heart disease

Colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers

Diabetes

Obesity

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

This is because a healthy vegetarian diet is typically low in fat and high in fiber. However, even a vegetarian diet can be high in fat if it includes excessive amounts of fatty snack foods, fried foods, whole milk dairy products, and eggs. Therefore, a vegetarian diet, like any healthy diet, must be well planned in order to help prevent and treat certain diseases.
Are there any health risks in becoming a vegetarian?
Though being a vegetarian can be a healthy lifestyle, care needs to be taken that this is not a step towards a generally more restrictive, disordered eating pattern. Be sure you fully understand why you are choosing vegetarianism.

Do vegetarians get proper nutrition?
The key to any healthy diet is to choose a wide variety of foods, and to consume enough calories to meet your energy needs. It is important for vegetarians to pay attention to these five categories in particular.

Protein
Protein is found in both plant foods and animal foods. The ADA has said that it is NOT necessary to combine specific foods within a meal in order to "complete" the amino acids profile of the proteins found in plant foods. Eating a wide variety of foods and enough calories during the day will fulfill your protein needs. Good sources of protein include whole grains, lentils, beans, tofu, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, tempeh, eggs, and peas.
 
Calcium
The ADA recommends consuming at least 1300 mg of calcium per day - the equivalent of over 4 cups of milk or yogurt! Vegetarians can meet their calcium needs if they consume adequate amounts of low-fat and fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Calcium is also found in many plant foods including dark, leafy greens (e.g. spinach, kale, mustard, collard and turnip greens, and bok choy), broccoli, beans, dried figs, and sunflower seeds, as well as in calcium-fortified cereals, cereal bars and some juices.
Vegans (people who don't eat any animal products) must strive to meet their daily calcium requirements by regularly including these plant sources of calcium in their diets. Many soy milk products are fortified with calcium, but be sure to check the label for this. You can also include a calcium supplement in your diet, which is available at the pharmacy in Health Services.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium. There are few foods that are naturally high in vitamin D, though. Therefore, dairy products in the US are fortified with vitamin D. Many soy milk products are also fortified with vitamin D. Your body can make its own vitamin D, but only when the skin is exposed to adequate sunlight (but that can have its own risks). People who do not consume dairy products and who do not receive direct exposure to sunlight regularly should consider taking supplemental vitamin D. This supplement should contain no more than 100% of the Recommended Daily Value, however, because larger doses can be dangerous. Both multivitamin supplements and calcium supplements with vitamin D are available at the pharmacy in Health Services

Iron
Iron-fortified breads and cereals, dark green vegetables (e.g. spinach and broccoli), dried fruits, prune juice, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and soybean nuts are good plant sources of iron. Consuming foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, and green peppers helps your body absorb iron from these plant sources. Cooking food in iron pots and pans will also add to your iron intake.

Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is produced in animals and by bacteria in the soil. Vegetarians who consume dairy products and/or eggs usually get enough B-12 since it is found in these foods. Vegans, however, should add vitamin B-12 fortified soy milk to their diets. Regularly taking a broad-spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement (available at the pharmacy in Health Services) will also supply the necessary amount of B-12.

What about athletes?
Being both an athlete and a vegetarian can be challenging, especially for vegans. It can be difficult to eat a volume of food high enough to meet an athlete's high caloric needs. Vegetarians who participate in sports should be aware of their increased energy needs, and should make a concerted effort to consume sufficient calories. Click for info on sports nutrition.

How do I become a vegetarian?
Some people stop eating meat "cold turkey." Others may prefer to make dietary changes more gradually. However you choose to make the change, you can begin to achieve the health benefits of vegetarianism by significantly cutting down on the amount of meats consumed, and making vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains the focus of your meals. The ADA suggests the following tips for following a vegetarian diet:
Choose whole-grain products (e.g. whole wheat bread, brown rice, or whole-grain cereals instead of refined or white grains.

Eat a wide variety of foods.

If you eat dairy products, choose non-fat or low-fat varieties.

Limit intake of eggs to 3-4 yolks/week.

Limit intake of sweets and high fat foods.

When shopping for food, plan ahead, shop with a list and read food labels.

Many vegetarian foods can be found in any grocery store. Specialty food stores may carry some of the more uncommon items, as well as many vegetarian convenience foods.

What are some options for a tasty vegetarian meal?
Becoming a vegetarian can be as easy as you choose to make it. Whether you enjoy preparing elaborate meals or choose quick and easy ones, vegetarian meals can be very satisfying. In order to make meal preparation easier, the ADA suggests having the following foods on hand:
Ready-to-eat, whole-grain breakfast cereals, and quick-cooking whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal

Whole-grain breads and crackers, such as rye, whole wheat, and mixed grain

Other grains such as barley and bulgur wheat

Canned beans, such as pinto, black beans, and garbanzo beans

Rice (including brown, wild, etc.)

Pasta (now available in whole wheat, spinach, and other flavors) with tomato sauce and canned beans and/or chopped veggies

Corn or flour tortillas

Vegetarian soups like lentil or minestrone

Plain frozen vegetables

Frozen fruit juice concentrate

Nut spreads (e.g. peanut or almond butter)

Canned and frozen fruit

Important Article - Brain - Blood clot - Please read

You could save a life.


STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T.R .
My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree.  If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
 
STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.  (they offered to call ambulance)
 
They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the party. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.
 


Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this...

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

 
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally.   He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Remember the "3" steps, STR .     Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify.    Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.   
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * Ask the individual to SMILE .
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE    SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg "It is sunny out today").
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
 
NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1.    Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.

2.    If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

 

A prominent cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
 

….and it could be your own…..

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Beauty Receipies

Body care


*
Mix six-teaspoon petroleum jelly, two-teaspoon glycerin and two-teaspoon lemon juice. Apply this moisturizing lotion at least twice a week if you have dry and flaky, arms and legs
*
Peel and grate a cucumber. Squeeze the juice to this, mix half-a-teaspoon glycerin and half-a-teaspoon rose water. Apply this on sunburns, leave it for some time.
*
If you have cracked heels, melt paraffin wax; mix it with little mustard oil and apply on the affected area. Leave it overnight. After 10 or 15 days, your heels will become smooth.
*
Massage your body with a mixture of coconut oil and any of your favourite scented oils like lavender or rosemary.
*
For rough palms, use a mixture of glycerin and limejuice in equal proportion.
*
For cracked heals, massage the foot with coconut oil and keep the foot in warm water for some time. Wipe the water off the feet and apply a mixture of hibiscus flower(10), Henna (1 handful) and juice of half a lemon. when dry wash it off.
*
Remove scars on your hands and feet by rubbing them with lemon peel.


Eye care


*
Dip wads of cotton in a chilled mixture of cucumber and potato juice. Keep this on your eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes and gently wash it off. Apply a little baby oil.
*
For long eyelashes.., apply a thin coat of castor oil every night. It strengthens lashes and cools your eyes.
*
Massage a few drops of coconut oil around the eyes to get rid off dark circles.
*
To reduce puffiness of your eyes, grate a potato; tie in a cloth and place the cloth over your eyes for about 15 minutes.
*
Add a small pinch of salt in water and wash for bright and sparkling eyes.
*
Mix tomato juice and lemon juice in equal quantity and apply around the eyes. After 30 minutes wash it off with cold and hot water alternatively.
*
Make a paste of sandal wood and nutmeg. Apply the paste around the eyes before sleeping and wash it off in the morning.
*
Crush a cucumber and take the juice. Add a little rose water and apply around the eyes and wash it after 30 minutes.
*
Place cotton wool swabs dipped in cold milk on closed eyes for removing dark circles.


Lip Care


*
You can mix one-tablespoon cranberry sauce juice with two tablespoons Vaseline for a delicious home made lip balm.
*
Apply the juice of lemon skin for avoiding black colour of lips
*
Massage your lips with coriander leaf juice for soft and rosy lips.

HIV, AIDS & Discrimination and Stigma

Aids is def an epidemic tat the human race is facing today, main reason why aids is spreading so fast in many parts of the world:
Ppl Talking about HIV/AIDS can be very difficult, but it can also be a matter of life and death. Ppl don't feel comfortable talking about HIV/AIDS. Keeping quiet about it makes it even more difficult to prevent HIV from spreading further. Many young people don't believe HIV is a threat to them, and many others don't know how to protect themselves from HIV.

We can all help to reduce the spread of the disease and its impact on everyday life, and remove the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS by spreading & raising awareness

Heres the Alarming Statistics

# 33 million people in the world live with HIV/AIDS and the vast majority are unaware of their HIV status
# About 12 million young people between 15 to 24 live with HIV/AIDS
# 6,800 more people are infected with HIV every day! Almost half of them are under 25!
# Young women are about three times more vulnerable to HIV infection that their male peers


First What is Difference Between HIV & AIDS


By:
Harold Oster
Question :

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? My friend is HIV-positive. Someone made the remark that my friend had AIDS, and he seem rather bothered by this and stated that he did not have AIDS, that he had HIV. It was then said that they are both the same -- there is no difference. My friend again stated that there is a difference and was bothered by the reference. Is there a difference? Is there a psychological need for a person who is HIV-positive to separate the two?

T. C.
Answer :

You have touched on some excellent points. As I have said before on this site, HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is the name given for a variety of disease manifestations caused by HIV infection.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga., has compiled a list of all the infections and tumors that doctors use to define AIDS. For example, if a person with HIV develops tuberculosis, he or she is then said to have developed AIDS. The same is true for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), cryptococcal meningitis and a CD4 (T-cell) count below 200. This list and the official definition of AIDS are simply standard ways of describing patients with various HIV-related illnesses. (The definition of AIDS is also used by some insurance companies and health programs to define who is disabled and who is not.) To simplify the matter even further, we can say that AIDS is the disease and HIV is the cause of the disease.

Personally, I rarely use the term "AIDS" in my practice. It is frightening to think of oneself as having AIDS. Since it usually takes several years to become ill (develop AIDS) after infection with HIV, most of my patients would rather think of themselves as being infected with a virus than having AIDS, a life-threatening illness. As an analogy, think of the new findings of genes that predispose a person to develop breast cancer. If a woman finds out that she has such a gene, she certainly does not yet have breast cancer. If you told her that she has breast cancer, she would likely correct you, saying, "I probably will develop breast cancer in the future, but for now, I only have the gene." Many of my patients would say, "I probably will develop AIDS in the future, but for now, I only have HIV." It seems a subtle difference to those who are not infected, but -- trust me -- it is an important distinction, and it is one to which I pay close attention in my practice.
 
 
Discrimination & Stigma tat ppl with Aids & HIV face

From the moment scientists identified HIV and AIDS, social responses of fear, denial, stigma and discrimination have accompanied the epidemic. Discrimination has spread rapidly, fuelling anxiety and prejudice against the groups most affected, as well as those living with HIV or AIDS. It goes without saying that HIV and AIDS are as much about social phenomena as they are about biological and medical concerns. Across the world the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS has shown itself capable of triggering responses of compassion, solidarity and support, bringing out the best in people, their families and communities. But the disease is also associated with stigma, repression and discrimination, as individuals affected (or believed to be affected) by HIV have been rejected by their families, their loved ones and their communities. This rejection holds as true in the rich countries of the north as it does in the poorer countries of the south.


Why is there stigma related to HIV and AIDS




HIV/AIDS is often seen to bring shame upon the person infected, their family and/or the wider community. It is often associated with minority groups or behaviours such as homosexuality, drug addiction or promiscuity and can be seen as the result of personal irresponsibility. Unfortunately negative responses to HIV/AIDS widely exist and often feed upon and reinforce dominant ideas of good and bad with respect to sex and illness, and proper and improper behaviours.

Factors which contribute to HIV/AIDS-related stigma:

    * HIV/AIDS is a life-threatening disease
    * People are scared of contracting HIV
    * The disease is associated with behaviours (such as sex between men and injecting drug-use) that are already stigmatised in many societies
    * People living with HIV/AIDS are often thought of as being responsible for becoming infected
    * Religious or moral beliefs lead some people to believe that having HIV/AIDS is the result of moral fault (such as promiscuity or 'deviant sex') that deserves to be punished.
 
 
Discrimination At Workplace

Although there is little evidence of HIV being transmitted in the workplace, the supposed risk of transmission has been used by numerous employers to terminate or refuse employment. There is also evidence that if people living with HIV/AIDS are open about their infection status at work, they may well experience stigmatisation and discrimination by others.

    " Nobody will come near me, eat with me in the canteen, nobody will want to work with me, I am an outcast here. "
- HIV positive man, aged 27, India


Pre-employment screening takes place in many industries, particularly in countries where the means for testing are easily available and affordable.

In poorer countries screening has also been reported as taking place, especially in industries where health benefits are available to employees. Employer-sponsored insurance schemes providing medical care and pensions for their workers have come under increasing pressure in countries that have been seriously affected by HIV and AIDS. Some employers have used this pressure to deny employment to people with HIV or AIDS.

    " Though we do not have a policy so far, I can say that if at the time of recruitment there is a person with HIV, I will not take him. I' ll certainly not buy a problem for the company. I see recruitment as a buying-selling relationship. If I don't find the product attractive, I'll not buy it." - A Head of Human Resource Development, India

Signs Of A Boy Or Girl in pregnancy

One of the happiest occasions in your life is when you get to know that are going to become a parent (mom/dad). In fact, it is said that a child not only makes a woman feel whole, but also completes a family. Since the time the news of pregnancy is confirmed, everyone, right from the would-be parents to the would-be grandparents, uncles and aunts, start making guesses about the sex of the baby. Though scientific methods like amniocentesis and ultrasound are available for the same, the age-old methods are much more fun for guessing whether it is a boy or a girl. If you want to enjoy guessing the sex of your baby, make use of the tipd given below.

Signs of a Boy

* As you hang your wedding ring, with a thread, over your belly, it moves in circles
* Baby's heart rate less than 140 beats per minute
* Belly looking like a basketball
* Better looks of mommy than before (pregnancy)
* Craving for meats and cheese (protein-rich food)
* Craving for salty or sour foods
* Dry hands
* Feet colder than before (pregnancy)
* Hair on legs growing faster than before (pregnancy)
* Husband gaining weight, along with you
* More weight gain in the front
* No morning sickness in early pregnancy
* Pillow facing north, while sleeping
* Regular headaches
* Significantly dark areolas
* Spreading nose
* The result of the addition of your age (at the time of conception) and the number of the month in which you conceived is even
* Urine bright yellow in color

Signs of a Girl

* As you hang your wedding ring, with a thread, over your belly, it moves side to side
* Baby's heart rate more than 140 beats per minute
* Belly looking like a watermelon
* Breasts have blossomed
* Craving for fruits and orange juice
* Craving for sweets
* Face breaks out more than before (pregnancy)
* Hair develops red highlights
* Husband's weight the same as before (pregnancy)
* Left breast looking larger than the right one
* More weight gain around hips and rear
* Morning sickness in early pregnancy
* No headaches
* Pillow facing south, while sleeping
* Refusal to eat the heel of bread loaf
* The result of the addition of your age (at the time of conception) and the number of the month in which you conceived is odd
* Too many mood swings
* Urine dull yellow in color
* Worse looks of mommy than before (pregnancy)

Crash diets can reduce lifespan: Study

Crash dieting doesn't reduce your waistline alone; it significantly reduces your life expectancy too.

Researchers at Glasgow University observed that fish given a "binge then diet" food regime had a reduced lifespan of up to 25%.

Their study compared the growth rate, success of reproduction and lifespan of stickleback fish. They believe the findings could have implications for teenagers and children who follow extreme patterns of dieting. This is because they are still growing.

The study was conducted by researchers in the University of Glasgow's faculty of biomedical and life sciences, reports BBC News portal.

The findings are published in the journal, Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Professor Neil Metcalfe said: "The fish on the fluctuating diet put just as much effort into breeding -the males became brightly coloured as usual and the females produced the normal number of eggs.

"However, on average their lifespan was three-quarters that of animals eating a constant amount every day." The research found that the difference in lifespan was not a consequence of more rapid aging but an increase in the risk of sudden death.

Metcalfe added: "It seems that uneven growth, due to the fluctuation in the amount eaten per day, is responsible for the increase in the risk of sudden death.

"This is possibly because the body tissues are more likely to have imperfections due to growth spurts."

Similar results would most likely be seen in other animals with short lifespans that grow throughout their lives, said Metcalfe.

But it could also be applied to humans who follow extreme patterns of dieting, he went on, and could be seen in teenagers and children who are still growing.

Metcalfe said: "Applying this to humans, it would only occur in children and teenagers.

"But it would be for extreme switches in diet. Just skipping lunches would not have any effect, but if they had several weeks of one diet followed by several weeks of the extreme opposite, then there could be an effect."

The world has already seen the deaths of models aspiring to be "size zero" by crash dieting.
 
 
 
 
Crash diets
Shocking your body with a sudden low-energy food regime often appears to be working after just a few days. There's a rapid weight loss, making it look like the plan is working. At this point, you haven't actually lost any fat; all that's happened is that you've used up the body's limited store of glycogen, a form of carbohydrate. As you use up the glycogen, your body loses water with it, so you appear to be losing weight very quickly.


Don't deprive yourself

Crash dieting tends to make dieters tired, irritable, and lethargic, and brings on food cravings.

There are no 'special combinations' of certain foods (e.g. cabbage and watercress soup) that will boost your metabolism enough to help you lose weight. If you're a large overweight person, you'll actually have a higher metabolism than a smaller person anyway, simply because you have a heavier mass of body tissues.

Health risks

You are at risk of not getting enough vitamins and minerals to stay healthy if you severely restrict your food intake.

After using up your glycogen, you will start losing weight from your body's tissues, as your body frees up energy to keep you going. Crash diets do this too quickly to be healthy.

What many diet plans do not tell you is that you are using up protein (e.g. from your muscles) as much as you are using up fat.

Even if you don't give a monkey's about being healthy, and just want results for vanity purposes, it's important to realise fast weight lost can just as easily be put back on.

The yo-yo effect

Weight often goes back on as fat, leaving you with more fat and less protein than you started off with, which leaves you feeling even more out of shape than before, and can start off a vicious circle of yo-yo dieting.

Yo-yo dieting messes up your metabolism, and may even raise the levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood, increasing your risk of arterial disease and heart problems.

Fad diets

It seems as though there's a new miracle diet book published every week. We all know someone who is doing one. It's big business, with everybody looking for the magic answer that will make them slim and attractive. However, many of these diets are useless and/or downright dangerous.



A report by the experts at Which magazine earlier this year condemned a number of fad plans, including low-carbohydrate diets, cabbage soup diets and the 'Eat fat, get thin' diet where the author actually stated that exercise is not important (yeah, right).

Many fad diets work by having illogical rules that make it too difficult to eat many different foods. The side effect of this is that you take in fewer calories. One other nasty effect is that it prevents you from eating a wide range of foods, and variety is essential for good health.

Beware of claims and theories that appear scientific, but have no scientific studies to back them up. Testimony from a famous person is just not good enough.

Moderately reduced-fat diets are often OK, but avoid super-low-fat ones. Your body still needs to take in a few essential

fatty acids with your food.

Low-carbohydrate and high-protein plans are potentially dangerous. The diets often contain too much saturated fat and not enough fibre, and lack of carbohydrate can put the body into ketosis. Ketosis is an abnormal metabolic state with unpleasant side effects such as bad breath and nausea. The diet can also place a strain on the kidneys. The 'science' behind the diet has been disagreed with.

There is no evidence to support the theory that you should avoid eating carbohydrates and proteins at the same meal.

There is no proof that you need a special diet to go with your blood type. A small serving of a low calorie food (such as kidney beans) cannot make you gain weight, it isn't scientifically possible.

Detox diets are supposed to rid the body of 'impurities'. Nobody has ever been able to say what these supposed impurities actually are. Although detox diets often claim to get rid of cellulite, it's important to realise that cellulite is only fat that's been laid down in a particular way in certain parts of the body...it isn't a disease.

The best solution

Here's the bit nobody wants to hear. The best way to get down to your healthy weight and feel and look your best is to do it slowly. A balanced diet and moderate regular exercise will gently get you toned up, and keep the weight off for good.
 
 

The Difference Between Signs and Symptoms

Signs are what a doctor sees,
symptoms are what you experience.
 
 
Did you know that 90 - 95% of a doctor's diagnosis will come from what you say? Yep! If you do not give the doctor all of your symptoms and history then you are asking him or her to diagnose you based on insufficient information. Whenever you go to the doctor, he or she will take a patient history using a mneumonic called, "OPPQRST." Every doctor on the planet follows this mneumonic. This translates into: Objective, Palliative, Provocative, Quality, Radiating, Subjective and Timing.

    * ONSET: When did it start?
    * PALLIATIVE: What relieves your symptoms?
    * PROVOCATIVE: What provokes your symptoms?
    * QUALITY: How would you describe the symptoms? Sharp? stabbing?, sore? uncomfortable? nausea? achy? throbbing? ripping? tearing?
    * RADIATING: Do the symptoms or pain radiate to another area of your body?
    * SEVERITY: On a scale of 1 - 10, how would you rate your pain or discomfort?
    * TIMING: How often do the symptoms occur?

Typically with chest pain, the additional LMN are added to the mneumonic which means: Last, Movement and Notable Symptoms.

    * LAST: When was the last episode?
    * MOVEMENT: What activities could you do before you first felt chest pain and what activities can you do now?
    * NOTABLE SYMPTOMS: What other symptoms do you have with your chest pain?

 
 
Here are just a few things that will automatically pop into a doctor's head when you give the following symptoms. The doctor will then perform various orthopedic, laboratory or imaging tests on you to confirm or deny his or her suspicions:
Please keep in mind there are many other conditions, diseases, syndromes and illnesses that your doctor may be thinking depending on what you stated in your patient history.

    * ABDOMINAL PAIN: - may be indicative of appendicitis, food allergies, food poisoning, gastro-intestinal disorders, hiatal hernia or pre-menstrual syndrome.
    * ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE: - may be indicative of yeast infection (candidiasis) , chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis.
    * BACKACHE: - may be indicative of back strain, DJD (degenerative disc disease), lack of exercise, obesity, female disorders, spinal injury or pancreatic disorders.
    * BLOOD IN THE URINE, STOOL, VOMIT, VAGINA OR PENIS: - may be indicative hemorrhoids, infections, polyps, bowel tumors, ulcers, cancer of the kidneys, colon or bladder.
    * DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING: - may be indicative of emotional stress, hiatal hernia, cancer of the esophagus.
    * EXCESSIVE SWEATING: - may be indicative of thyroid disorder, menopause, stress, food allergies, fever, infection or Hodgkin's disease.
    * FREQUENT URINATION: - may be indicative of bladder infection, a diuretic effect, excessively taking in liquid, not emptying the bladder in a timely fashion or cancer.
    * INDIGESTION: - may be indicative of poor diet, lack of enzymes such as HCL (hydrochloric acid), gallbladder dysfunction, heart disease, acidosis, alkalosis, allergies, stress, adrenal, liver or pancreatic disorders.
       
    * PERSISTANT COUGH: - may be indicative of lung disorders, pneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis, influenza, food allergies or cancer.
    * PERSISTANT FEVER: - may be indicative of influenza, mononucleosis, rheumatic disorders, bronchitis, colds, meningitis, diabetes or chronic infection.
    * PERSISTANT HEADACHE: - may be indicative of migraines, eyestrain, need for glasses, allergies, asthma, drugs, glaucoma, high blood pressure, brain tumor, vitamin deficiencies, sinusitis or stress due to personal Life experiences.
    * RASH WITH BLISTERS: - may be indicative of Herpes Zoster or Shingles.
    * SUDDEN WEIGHT GAIN: - may be indicative of over-eating, lack of exercise,thyroid condition (underactive) or edema.
    * SUDDEN WEIGHT LOSS (UNEXPLAINED) : - may be indicative of cancer, diabetes, thyroid condition (overactive) , hepatitis, mononucleosis, parasites, infection or malabsorption syndrome.
    * SWELLING IN THE APPENDAGES OR ABDOMEN: - may be indicative of edema, heart condition, kidney dysfunction, medication, food allergies, oral contraceptives or steroids.
    * SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES: - may be indicative of chronic infection, lymphoma, various cancers, toxic metals, toxic build-up or Hodgkin's disease.
    * THIRSTING EXCESSIVELY: - may be indicative of diabetes, infection, excessive exercise or fever.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have concern for your help, please seek medical attention immediately.
 
 
DISCLAIMER
Our goal is to provide you with information that may be useful in attaining optimal health. Nothing in it is meant as a prescription or as medical advice. You should check with your physician before implementing any changes in your exercise or lifestyle habits, especially if you have physical problems or are taking medications of any kind.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Ur Health-Miracle Cures

1) Miracle Cure For Anything That Ails You Is As Close


Illness  Food  Effect 
Headaches  Fish  Eat plenty of fish - fish oil helps prevent headaches. So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain. 
Hay Fever  Yogurt  Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season 
Strokes  Tea  Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. 
Insomnia  Honey  Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative. 
Asthma  Onions  Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. 
Arthritis  Fish  Salmon, tuna, mackeral and sardines actually prevent arthritis. 
Upset Stomach  Bananas, Ginger  Bananas will settle an upset stomach. Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea. 
Bladder Infections  Cranberry Juice  High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria 
Bone Problems  Pineapple  Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple. 
PMS  Cornflakes  Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue. 
Memory Problems  Oysters  Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc. 
Colds  Garlic  Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. 
Cough  Red Pepper  A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. 
Breast Cancer  Wheat, Bran, Cabbage  Wheat, bran and cabbage help maintain estrogen at healthy levels. 
Lung Cancer  Orange & Green Veggies  A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables. 
Ulcers  Cabbage  Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastic and duodenal ulcers. 
Diarrhea  Apples  Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. 
Clogged Arteries  Avocados  Monounsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol. 
High Blood Pressure  Olive Oil, Celery  Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure. Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure, too. 
Blood Sugar Imbalance  Broccoli, Peanuts  The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.